Men Acquitted in Killing Ephraim Brown-

Men Acquitted in Killing Ephraim Brown.

December 13, 2010 edition of the Toronto Star, by Betsy Powell

“After deliberating all weekend, the jury rejected the testimony of star Crown witness Kishauna Thomas, 21, who identified Akiel Eubank and Gregory Sappleton, both 24, as the persons who fired handguns at each other at her outdoor birthday party early on July 22, 2007.”

During the trial, Leora Shemesh supported the attacking of Thomas’s credibility and pointed to inconsistencies and contradictions in the evidence and police statements. [Read the full article of how a Toronto Criminal Defence Lawyer influenced the jury.]

Toronto Criminal Lawyer Protects Men Facing Murder Charges

If You’re Facing Murder Charges, Immediately Contact a Toronto Criminal Lawyer Experienced in Defending These Accusations

Being charged for murder is undoubtedly a frightening experience. You must do everything you can to protect yourself. Generally speaking when a case goes to trial, it is up to the jury to decide whether a person charged is guilty or not guilty. That is why it is so important to have a strong defence on your side who is able to effectively challenge the case against you.

A Toronto Criminal Lawyer is trained and skilled in doing just this. In the trial for Gregory Sappleton and Akiel Eubank, the Crown’s case was found to be weak due to a combination of eye witnesses and insufficient evidence. This presented opportunities to provide reasonable doubt for the defendants.

Gang Evidence Permitted in Jury Trial

During the three month trial, Ms. Shemesh along with Sappleton’s lawyer, Mr. Sapiano spent four weeks challenging an expert on Toronto Gangs. Thanks to Leora Shemesh’s further cross examination of two additional men pinned as shooters during the evening in question, the jury did not believe the identification evidence that was presented against Mr. Eubank and Mr. Sappleton to be sufficient.

Witness’s Credibility Questioned and Men Avoid Life in Jail

Toronto Criminal Lawyer, Leora Shemesh aided in attacking witnesses to the crimes credibility throughout the trial and pointed to inconsistencies in her testimony. Due to a strong defence and counter argument, the jury rejected the testimony and on December 13, 2010, both alleged gang members were found not guilty of second-degree murder charges for the 2007 shooting.

The trial for Akiel Eubank and Gregory Sappleton was the first time a Toronto Jury has found gang members not guilty of murder after hearing extremely prejudicial evidence from a gang expert.

If you or someone you know is living in the Toronto area and facing criminal charges, contact us online today or call (416) 944-8111.